Govardhan Puja: Significance, Story, and Celebrations of Annakut Festival

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated a day after Diwali. This sacred occasion commemorates the divine act of Lord Krishna, who in his child form (Baal Roop) lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Gokul from torrential rains sent by Indra Dev, the God of Rain. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Brijbhoomi (Mathura and Vrindavan), this festival reflects themes of devotion, nature worship, and divine protection.

Origins and Mythological Background

• The story of Govardhan Puja is drawn from the Vishnu Purana. According to legend, Lord Krishna questioned the practice of worshipping Indra and urged the villagers to instead offer prayers to Govardhan Parvat, which he said was the real provider of their livelihood.
• Angered by this shift in devotion, Indra unleashed a severe storm on Gokul. In response, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger, sheltering the people and animals of the village for seven days.
• Eventually, Indra realized Krishna was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and ceased the storm, acknowledging his divine superiority.
• This miraculous event emphasized Krishna’s role as a protector and led to the annual celebration of Govardhan Puja as a form of gratitude to nature and the divine.

When and Where Is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?

• Govardhan Puja is observed on the first day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
• It is celebrated with grandeur particularly in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, and surrounding regions. Over time, this tradition has spread across India and among Hindu communities worldwide.

Rituals and Celebrations

The festival is known for its elaborate rituals, symbolic acts, and deep spiritual meaning.

1. Worship of Govardhan Hill

Devotees create miniature hillocks using cow dung, symbolizing Mount Govardhan. These are beautifully decorated with flowers and colors. The symbolic hill becomes the centerpiece of the ritual worship.

2. Parikrama and Kirtans

Devotees perform ‘Parikrama’ (circumambulation) around these symbolic hills, singing bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs), reinforcing the themes of community and devotion.

3. Annakut or Chappan Bhog Offering

One of the most notable traditions is the offering of Chappan Bhog—56 varieties of food—to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Parvat. This symbolizes abundance, gratitude, and celebration of nature’s bounty. After the offerings, the food is distributed as Prasad among devotees.

4. Special Temple Celebrations

Temples dedicated to Krishna, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, witness grand ceremonies. The idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are bathed in milk, adorned with new clothes, and worshipped with flowers and sweets.

Broader Cultural and Religious Significance

Govardhan Puja is more than a regional festival. It carries deep symbolic and philosophical messages,

• Respect for Nature: Emphasizes worshipping natural elements like hills, rain, and animals, underscoring the Hindu belief in environmental harmony.
• Devotion Over Ritual: The story teaches that true devotion (Bhakti) matters more than formal rituals, highlighting Krishna’s teachings.
• Faith in Divine Protection: Reaffirms the faith that the divine will protect devotees in times of crisis.
• Community and Sharing: The communal preparation and distribution of food promote unity and compassion.

Other Associated Worships

• In some regions, people also worship Lord Indra and Lord Vishwakarma (the divine architect) on this day.
• While Krishna discouraged Indra’s worship in the original legend, modern interpretations include prayers for rain, agricultural prosperity, and craftsmanship.

Govardhan Hill Today

• Govardhan Hill, located near Mathura, has become a major pilgrimage site. On Govardhan Puja, thousands of devotees perform the 11-mile Parikrama around the hill, lighting diyas, offering flowers, and reciting sacred hymns.
• The area buzzes with spiritual fervor, reinforcing its status as a living symbol of Krishna’s divine protection.